But as we all know, the offense will only go as far as the offensive line will take them. And that will largely be determined by the weakest link, which is Garrett Bradbury at center.
There have been many calls for the Vikings to sign former Browns center JC Tretter, PFF’s 5th-ranked center for 2021. Tretter, a free agent, has not signed with any team, and recently announced his retirement from the NFL.
Naturally, people have wondered why no one has signed a player of his caliber. The prevailing assumption is that his knees are shot, but in a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Tretter has refuted that, saying his problematic right knee healed on its own during the 2021 season and did not require any significant treatment after Week 8.
Other interview highlights:
— Tretter said his agent called six teams, including the Vikings. None returned his call.
— He said that he grew up a Vikings fan and wanted to play for the Vikings. They would have been his first choice.
— Tretter said his salary requirements were very modest, not veteran minimum but under value for a player of his ability.
When asked about the situation, Kevin O’Connell said he was unaware that Tretter had been in contact with the Vikings. Interestingly enough, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah made the same claim.
Here’s what I want to know. WHY? Why didn’t the Vikings talk with him? Why didn’t they bring him in for a physical? And how is it possible that KOC and KAM didn’t know that Tretter had called? It’s not like they’re sold on Bradbury.
Judd Zulgad, former Star Tribune Vikings reporter and co-host of Purple Daily, has a theory …
Tretter is president of the NFLPA, the players’ union. Zulgad is saying that the NFL is colluding to keep him out of the league.Anyone convinced that JC Tretter isn’t unemployed in large part because of his position with the NFLPA doesn’t understand how vindictive this league can be. It’s a fun sport but an absolutely brutal business. His health is a convenient way to avoid claims of collusion.
Now … I don’t always think Judd Zulgad is playing with a full deck. He is perhaps the most cynical sports media personality I know. But his assertion makes me wonder … if KOC and KAM are telling the truth, then why didn’t they get the message?
Basically, were the Wilfs involved?
We could pass this off as “what difference does it make?” But with the skill position players we have, and the potential improvement to the rest of the O-line, and assuming better play calling, I would be pissed if Garrett Bradbury’s ineptitude derails the season — and the Vikings could’ve done something about it.
It’s likely we’ll never know the full truth. But Ziggy and Mark Wilf should hope that Vikings fans never find out they colluded to keep a Pro Bowl caliber center off the Vikings roster, simply for political and financial purposes.
Thoughts?
